Cloud for data requiring protection
Definition
A cloud can be thought of as a (large) data centre for data requiring protection that is connected to the web. Various services are offered there for companies and private users. This data centre is operated by the cloud provider in a highly automated way so that the services can be offered to many users simultaneously and high demands can be handled. This is achieved through standardised services that are all the same at first.
Use of the cloud services
When using a cloud service, private and sensitive data is outsourced to cloud providers. In doing so, control or responsibility is relinquished and one must rely on the fact that the data is sufficiently protected.
Before cloud use
Consideration should be given to what data the cloud service processes and what the impact would be if data fell into unauthorised hands. You consider what functionality is being provided and whether all functionality is needed. You should find out which financing model is used and whether the cloud beetle might make its money from your data. It is necessary to look at the T&Cs and the contractual relationship.
Different cloud services
Files such as photos or text documents are stored online on the online storage. The storage can be accessed from different end devices. A file can be shared in order to work on it together.
Email services are mostly based on cloud computing. Providers provide storage space, an email address and a way to send and retrieve emails (interface). Programs ("apps") are installed for processing on different end devices. Often, emails can be processed directly via internet browsers (webmailers). With a suitable configuration, the different end devices are synchronised. If a mail is sent with the smartphone, it can be found afterwards on the PC in the "Sent" directory.
With regard to online text processing, several people can work on the same document at the same time and talk to each other, e.g. via chat.
Requirements for use
With most cloud services, flexible payment models are available and required resources such as storage space can be expanded without long waiting times. In the professional environment, clouds are only charged for actual use - without a monthly basic fee. Cloud services always require a suitable network connection. End users do not know how cloud providers protect data from access by third parties or whether and how they use the data.
